Who Pays Closing Costs in Florida?

You’ve found the right home, maybe a beachside condo in Jacksonville Beach or a family house in San Marco. The offer’s been accepted, and now you’re preparing for closing day. But who actually pays the closing costs? Do you need to budget for thousands of dollars on top of your down payment, or is that on the seller?

At Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow, we know how important it is to understand every detail of your transaction. Closing costs can feel like a mystery, but when you know what to expect, the process can be much smoother. Here’s what you should know about who covers what in a Florida real estate closing.

What Closing Costs Really Are

Closing costs are the fees and expenses that come with finalizing a real estate deal. They cover the behind-the-scenes work that makes sure your home’s title is clear and your financing is secure. Typical items include loan origination charges, title searches, title insurance, appraisal fees, recording fees, and state or local taxes.

In Florida — and specifically in Jacksonville — both buyers and sellers have their share of these costs. The split isn’t always even, and in many cases, it can be negotiated.

What Buyers Usually Pay

If you’re buying a home in Jacksonville, you can generally expect to cover:

• Loan origination fees from your lender
• The appraisal ordered by the lender to confirm the property’s value
• Home inspection costs
• Recording fees for the mortgage
• The lender’s title insurance policy, which protects the lender’s rights

You may also need to prepay items such as homeowner’s insurance premiums or property taxes at closing. For example, if you’re purchasing a home in Riverside and closing in September, you may need to pay a prorated share of the year’s property taxes upfront.

What Sellers Typically Cover

Sellers have their own set of expenses. In most Jacksonville real estate transactions, sellers are responsible for:

• Real estate agent commissions
• The owner’s title insurance policy, which protects the your rights
• State documentary stamp taxes on the deed
• Property taxes owed up until the date of closing

If you’re selling your home and a buyer is motivated to close quickly, you might agree to cover additional fees as part of negotiations to keep the deal moving.

How Closing Costs Can Be Negotiated

Florida law allows flexibility when it comes to dividing closing costs. Buyers and sellers often negotiate these details as part of the purchase agreement. A seller may agree to pay for part of the buyer’s costs to make the offer more appealing, especially in a competitive Jacksonville market. On the other hand, in a hot seller’s market, buyers may choose to cover more costs themselves to stand out.

Why Local Guidance Matters

Every real estate market has its own customs, and Jacksonville is no different. Whether you’re closing on a historic bungalow in Springfield or new construction in Nocatee, knowing how closing costs are typically handled in this area can help you plan ahead. Having a local real estate attorney review your contract ensures you don’t get caught by surprise.

Get Help from Jacksonville Real Estate Attorneys at Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow

Closing on a home should feel exciting, not confusing. At Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow, we make sure you understand every fee, every form, and every step of the process. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property you’ve owned for years, our team is here to simplify your closing and protect your interests.

‍Contact Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow today to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to walk you through your Jacksonville real estate closing with clear answers and trusted support.